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Does a Tenant on a Lease have to Live on the Property

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Aljcouv

New member
Washington State - my husband and I are looking to rent a house. My mother will be visiting fairly frequently, so we would like to rent a place with an extra room so she can stay with us when she does come. However, we do not meet the required 3x rent income that most places require. Is it legal for my mother to sign the rent with us as a tenant so we can combine our incomes, even though she won't actually be living there? We have absolutely no debt, so we wouldn't have any issues paying the rent, we are just slightly below the required income.
 


Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
Washington State - my husband and I are looking to rent a house. My mother will be visiting fairly frequently, so we would like to rent a place with an extra room so she can stay with us when she does come. However, we do not meet the required 3x rent income that most places require. Is it legal for my mother to sign the rent with us as a tenant so we can combine our incomes, even though she won't actually be living there? We have absolutely no debt, so we wouldn't have any issues paying the rent, we are just slightly below the required income.
As your (prospective) landlord if they will accept a cosigner, because that's what your mother will be. Also, if she's going to be visiting frequently, the LL may desire that she be listed as an occupant, so it might be a win-win anyway. Communicate with the LL - this is not governed by law.
 

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